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Thailand news, politics, business, crime, lifestyle, and tourism—stay updated with breaking news and in-depth analysis from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and beyond.
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Last orangutans rescued from Thai smuggling ring set to jet back home to Indonesia
In a triumphant move for wildlife conservation, Thailand is gearing up to bid farewell to the last three orangutans smuggled into the country from Indonesia. The adorable primates, seven year olds Nobita and Shizuka, and four year old Brian will be winging their way home next Thursday, December 21, as confirmed by Narin Prathuanchai, the director-general of Thailand’s National Parks,…
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Wealthy Thai man arrested for gold shop robbery in Chiang Mai
Police arrested a wealthy Thai man for robbing a gold shop in the northern province of Chiang Mai after a two-week investigation. The thief claimed he wanted money for stock and digital currency investments and sold gold necklaces worth at least 17 million baht for just 4 million baht. Security cameras at Lotus’s Supermarket and Yaowarat Krungthep Gold Shop showed…
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Thai restaurant owner loses 600,000 baht during family trip to France
A 30 year old restaurant owner from Nonthaburi suffered a loss of over 600,000 baht during his recent family trip to France. He has shared his harrowing experience to alert others and prevent them from becoming victims. Thalerngsak Khongkwanmuang revealed yesterday, December 12, his ordeal which occurred between November 7 and 21 during his holiday in France with his 48 year…
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High-flying stash: Wirral man’s 260 kilo cannabis catch worth 33 million baht seized at Birmingham Airport
A man from the Wirral in Merseyside, Liverpool was found with a staggering 260 kilogrammes worth of cannabis worth 750,000 British pounds (33 million baht) at Birmingham Airport after landing via a flight from Bangkok. The man landed in the UK on November 29 when police discovered two suitcases of cannabis worth 30 kilogrammes. The arrest is not a single incident.…
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Transgender woman accused of 200,000 baht gold theft in Pattaya
Pattaya police recorded yet another transgender magpie thief case involving some gold and an Indian man in Sin City. This time a 39 year old transgender woman was apprehended at a condominium in Pattaya’s Nong Prue district, following allegations of theft in the middle of the night. The victim, a 40 year old Indian tourist, reported the loss of a…
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Thai taxi turmoil: Fare fight leaves traveller abandoned on road to Pattaya (video)
A Thai woman took to social media to share her experience with another one of Thailand’s notorious taxi drivers who abandoned her in the middle of the journey to Pattaya after she refused to pay more when he tried to hike the fare mid-journey. The victim shared a video of herself arguing with the taxi driver on her TikTok account,…
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DOC denies policy to detain prisoners outside prison favours ex-PM Thaksin
The Department of Corrections (DOC) refuted allegations that its latest policy, permitting the detention of prisoners outside of prison, is designed to favour Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister. The 74 year old former PM was recently sentenced to eight years for three separate cases and was immediately moved to a police hospital. The newly introduced regulation, announced on Thursday…
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Thailand DSI files charges in major pork smuggling case
Charges have been filed against 22 suspects, inclusive of 12 individuals and 10 legal entities, by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) in Thailand, following their involvement in a significant pork smuggling operation. Their assets, worth approximately 90 million baht (US$2,516,567), have been confiscated as part of the ongoing investigation. The head investigator of the smuggling case, Police Major Nathapol…
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Bangkok blaze: Chemical chaos erupts as factory fire sparks fears in industrial estate
A chemical factory in Bangkok‘s eastern suburbs of Samut Prakan went up in flames, with explosions echoing within the Bang Pu Industrial Estate, raising concerns about the volatile chemicals stored within. Chaos erupted in the tranquil Bang Pu Industrial Estate in Samut Prakan province early yesterday morning, December 11. A chemical factory, stockpiled with ammonia, burst into flames, creating an…
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Thailand extends visa-free entry for Japanese business visitors
Thailand’s Cabinet has given the green light to extend the 30-day visa-free entry privilege for Japanese visitors. The update, effective from January 1 next year, now includes Japanese business travellers. The Cabinet, convening today, December 12, waved the magic wand on a proposal brought forth by the Foreign Affairs Ministry. Deputy government spokesman Kharom Polpornklang spilt the beans, sharing that…
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Thai man ruptures windpipe by suppressing sneeze in first global case
In a peculiar medical case, a Thai man somehow managed to rupture his windpipe by suppressing a sneeze. The incident, which is reportedly the first of its kind in the world, was revealed by Dr Veerachai Jarusachaisri, a forensic medical expert at Srinakharinwirot University. The patient found himself needing to sneeze while driving. Instead of letting it happen, he stifled…
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Thai businesses navigate bankruptcy via national rehabilitation process
The Thai economy has weathered numerous challenges recently, including the Covid-19 pandemic, a worldwide economic downturn, repercussions from international conflicts, declining exports, and persistent domestic political upheaval. This has led to a surge in bankruptcies, and many other Thai businesses have sought to navigate the business rehabilitation process under Thailand’s Bankruptcy Act. The Bankruptcy Act allows a creditor, debtor, or…
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Shanghai delivery man’s advice to home-alone toddler goes viral
A recent incident in Shanghai involving a three year old girl left home alone has stirred concern and warmth on social media. The girl, who was left alone at home, was asked to open the door by a delivery man. The incident, which ended with a cautionary note, has since gone viral, reminding parents of the potential dangers of leaving…
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Sarath Ratanavadi remains wealthiest shareholder in Thai market for fifth year
For the fifth year running, Gulf Energy Development Plc‘s Chief Executive, Sarath Ratanavadi, tops the list as the wealthiest shareholder in the Thai capital market. Despite a 12.9% dip from the previous year, his shares were valued at a whopping 190 billion baht, according to a recent survey. The annual assessment, a joint effort between Money & Banking magazine and…
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Boeing 787 emergency dive: Gulf Air flight’s shocking diversion to Bangkok sparks panic
A Gulf Air routine flight GF250 took an unexpected detour from Bahrain to Dhaka, diving into an emergency landing in Bangkok. The gripping incident unfolded as the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, flight A9C-FE, grappled with foggy mayhem and fuel crises. A Gulf Air Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, en route from Bahrain to Dhaka, plunged into a nail-biting emergency over Bangkok. The routine…
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Thai woman manipulated by scammer into swindling her mother
Police in the Isaan province of Ubon Ratchathani rescued a 21 year old Thai woman who was manipulated by a call centre scammer into swindling her mother out of 250,000 baht. A Thai woman reached out to Mueang Ubon Ratchathani Police Station officer and Chief of Khemarat district after her daughter, 21 year old Su, was allegedly kidnapped for ransom.…
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Thai department of intellectual property seeks to safeguard Muay Thai
The Department of Intellectual Property, under the Thai Ministry of Commerce, is making swift strides to protect and promote the nation’s soft power elements, beginning with intellectual property (IP) rights related to Muay Thai and its associated products. This move is a direct response to calls made by Commerce Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, to curb violation of the nation’s IP rights.…
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Thai Airways’ billion-dollar gamble: Boeing dominates as Airbus left on runway
Thai Airways International is on the verge of sealing a blockbuster deal with Boeing for a fleet expansion, leaving Airbus in the dust. The stakes are sky-high in this multi-billion dollar saga, with insider sources revealing the ins and outs of this high-flying negotiation. In an aviation showdown, Boeing emerges victorious as Thai Airways gears up to finalise a deal…
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Anchalee Tephabutra resigns from Thailand’s Democrat Party after 31 years
Anchalee Tephabutra, a prominent political figure and a devoted member of the Democrat Party for over 31 years, announced her resignation, causing ripples in the political landscape of Thailand. Having been a confidante to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva during his tenure, her departure from the party marks a significant event. Anchalee has been a cornerstone for the Democrats in Phuket…
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Debunking claims of mobile phone towers causing brain damage (video)
A video circulating online claiming that mobile phone towers are hazardous and could cause brain damage has caused concern among netizens. The middle-aged man in the video alleges to be spending 60,000 baht monthly on brain treatments due to the impact of these towers, stirring a significant number of shares and likes on social media. Dr Jessada Denduangboripant, a professor…
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Highs and lows in Pattaya as marijuana shop puts its foot on the illegal laughing gas peddle
In Pattaya, a shop selling legal marijuana products was discovered to be selling laughing gas to tourists too. A discreet investigation revealed that the shop, operating under the guise of a legal enterprise, was surreptitiously selling nitrous oxide balloons to an unsuspecting clientele, comprising both Thai locals and curious foreign tourists. The audacity of the operation was epitomised by a…
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Taiwanese man dies after hospital in Thailand refuses to treat him
Taiwan media platform TVBS reported that a private hospital in Thailand refused to treat a Taiwanese man who later died as a result of his injuries in a car accident. Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the Thai government to improve its healthcare system. TVBS reported yesterday, December 11, that the Taiwanese man, whose identity was not revealed, was fatally…
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PTT’s OR diversifies with budget hotels and community malls at petrol stations
PTT Oil and Retail Business Plc (OR) is renewing its focus on diversifying its non-oil business ventures, with plans to construct budget hotels within its petrol stations and incorporate community malls catering to tourists. The company’s President and Chief Executive, Disathat Panyarachun, shared these developments. The next quarter will see OR onboarding a business consultant to oversee the hotel project.…
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Pattaya’s permanent secretary Pramote Tubtim passes away in service
The city of Pattaya is reeling from the unexpected and sorrowful passing of its Permanent Secretary, Sub Lieutenant Pramote Tubtim, during his active service. The news of Pramote’s death yesterday has left the community in shock and mourning. Just hours before his untimely death, he had been diligently fulfilling his duties, adding to the sense of disbelief surrounding his sudden…
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Tourists evicted from Phuket resort due to property dispute
A sunny vacation turned sour for several tourists who were holidaying at a resort in Kamala, Phuket when they unexpectedly found themselves embroiled in a property dispute that led to them having to seek alternative accommodation. The hotel operator was evicted from the property, leaving approximately 20 rooms of guests stranded and forced to fend for themselves. The eviction process…
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Intoxicated woman disrobes and pees in middle of a Chinese restaurant
A woman heavily intoxicated in a restaurant in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, caused a stir by undressing and urinating in full view of other patrons. The shocking incident was captured and shared online, sparking widespread concern and reminding people of the dangers of excessive drinking. In the heart of a bustling eatery in Shenzhen, a woman lost control of herself after…
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Russian man’s erratic behaviour causes stir at Phuket Airport
A peculiar scene unfolded in Phuket‘s bustling airport yesterday as bystanders observed a Russian man, scantily clad in denim shorts and sans shirt or shoes, meandering aimlessly through the terminal. The spectacle escalated as the man clambered onto a balcony of the terminal, his behaviour becoming increasingly erratic and alarming. Local authorities, including members of the Tourist Police and representatives…
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Tourists evicted from makeshift camp on Patong Beach, Phuket
An unexpected event unfolded on the sandy shores of Patong Beach when a group of international tourists found themselves in a bit of a pickle with the local authorities. Having set up a makeshift camp, complete with a tent on the beach, they were informed by the Phuket Tourist Police that such arrangements were simply not allowed. The incident came…
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Family ties unravel in murder mystery: Thai trio nabbed for alleged Isaan killing, daughter smells foul play
Police arrested a Thai woman and her two children for the alleged murder of a Thai man in the Isaan province of Sisaket. The suspects accused the deceased of alcohol addiction and abusive behaviour but, in a remarkable twist, the deceased’s biological daughter believes the suspects murdered her father for his money and property. The dead body of the 48…
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Thai government proposes 15 billion baht plan for informal debtors relief
The Ministry of Finance proposed a plan to the Cabinet to assist informal debtors, allocating a budget of 15 billion baht through the Government Savings Bank (GSB) and the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC). This initiative will also aid debtors affected by the Covid-19 situation who have lost their credit bureau records. At the Government House at 10am…
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